India's Southern Promises

A region that is more vibrant economically, and also more appreciative of relations with the U.S.

By

Michael Auslin

Updated May 10, 2011 10:54 p.m. ET

Chennai, India

Forty miles south of Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal, lies Mahabalipuram. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, abounding in temples and massive frescoes, all cut from solid rock. Yet in the seventh century, when carvers began chiseling out the temples, this was India's portal to Southeast Asia. From here, trade networks reached as far as Indonesia, spreading Indian goods along with the influence of the ruling...